Abstract In the present experiment we evaluated the impact of rapid heat stress on decision-making and neural function. Previous work has demonstrated that heat stress has an impact on cognitive and neural function. Here, we hypothesized that a rapid increase in heat stress would result in reduced decision-making ability evidenced by a reduction in frontal theta electroencephalographic (EEG) power. Fifteen participants performed an incremental exercise test to a termination criterion (volitional maximum, core temperature = 39.5°C, or a 2-hour time cap) with or without fire-fighting gear (selection was randomized) in a laboratory with an ambient temperature of 25-26°C. Immediately following the exercise test, participants completed a Go/No-Go task and we observed an increase in incorrect responses when the subjects were wearing fire-fighting gear; no change was observed without gear. Additionally, an analysis of frontal EEG revealed a decrease in theta power when comparing pre- and post-exercise values with fire-fighting gear on; no change was observed without gear. Importantly, our results suggest that rapid heat stress and the resulting increase in physiological strain causes a decrease in cognitive control that could result in serious consequences in life-saving occupations that require contemplative, effortful decision-making.

中文翻译：

---

快速热应激后的消防员神经功能和决策

摘要 在本实验中，我们评估了快速热应激对决策和神经功能的影响。先前的工作表明，热应激对认知和神经功能有影响。在这里，我们假设热应激的快速增加会导致决策能力降低，这可以通过额叶脑电图 (EEG) 功率的降低来证明。15 名参与者在环境温度为 100 摄氏度的实验室中，在有或没有消防装备（随机选择）的情况下，按照终止标准（自愿最大值，核心温度 = 39.5°C，或 2 小时的时间上限）进行了增量运动测试。 25-26°C。在运动测试之后，参与者立即完成了 Go/No-Go 任务，我们观察到当受试者穿着消防装备时不正确的反应有所增加；没有齿轮没有观察到变化。此外，对正面脑电图的分析显示，在佩戴消防装备的情况下比较运动前和运动后的值时，θ 功率会降低；没有齿轮没有观察到变化。重要的是，我们的研究结果表明，快速的热应激和由此产生的生理压力的增加会导致认知控制能力下降，这可能会对需要深思熟虑、努力决策的救生职业造成严重后果。